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A thumbprint distinguishes one human being from another. It is a genuine and unique sign of our own identity. It has has no racial, social or linguistic barriers. It is a sign that defines our diversity and, at the same time, unites in a form apparently always equal and identical. Designs For Peace is an invitation
to reflect on human identity.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Designs For Peace is an art project that transforms human thumbprints into a signature for Universal Peace. This exhibition is a tribute to peace, an invitation to all to become ambassadors of peace, starting from their own personal experience. It’s a collection of “fingerprint-portraits” of characters standing out for their commitment to Peace. The artworks are created by the Danish artist Claus Miller, who has been working for years on the interpretation of fingerprints seen as modern day portraits.Designs For Peace was born from the will of linking this artistic process to the issue of peace. The artist has contacted people with a culturally significant biography asking them to join the exhibition as testimonials donating their thumbprint as a sign in order to reflect on human identity, through art. The original thumbprints was then transformed into artworks representing the portrayed person and telling stories about creative human thinking. In its short life it has already involved several men and women from all walks of life, such as politics, science, culture and art. The first vernissage of the Designs For Peace exhibition was staged at the opening ceremony of the VI Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Rome, Italy. The Nobels Betty Williams and Mairead Corrigan with Mayor Walter Veltroni introduced the artworks to a large public and the media representatives

images against war

image by C. Kremser

“Images Against War” began as one woman’s reaction to the U.S. invasion of Iraq. In February 2003, Tina Schelhorn, curator, and director of Galerie Lichtblick in Cologne, Germany, sent an e-mail to her friends in the global photographic community, inviting them to give their visual statements against war. By the end of that month, a website was launched with the work of 100 artists, and an exhibition of 250 images hung in her gallery.

In three-and-a-half years, Images Against War has grown to include the visual statements of 660 photographers from over 40 countries. It also has evolved into a public projection and exhibition presented throughout Europe. With each presentation, the exhibition expands, absorbing contributions from regional photographers. Participants range from internationally renowned fine art photographers and Magnum agency photojournalists to students.

Renowned photographers such as James Nachtwey, Wolf Bowig, Stefan Boness, Henk Braam, Cedric Bregnard, Eberhard Bremicker and Bruno Stevens are just a few of the acclaimed artists whose work is included in Images Against War. Densely displayed, the exhibition is an emphatic, yet nuanced, visual conversation about the causes and effects of conflict, and through photography, reflects reality in a way no other two-dimensional medium can. The images evoke emotions that range from horrific to humorous, sad, hopeful, whimsical, satirical and just about everything in between.

AESOP’S ART FOR PEACE

“Art for Peace” is a continuing series of pieces by Peace Museum artist-in-residence Aesop Rhim, a master serigraphic artist who combines the techniques of silk screen print and display art. His bold and colorful panels reflect interconnectivity and harmonic human dignity. After Sept. 11, 2001, Rhim became inspired to create this artwork as an exhibition emblematic of peace. “Art for Peace” will feature 12 large silkscreens and reliefs.

Rhim is a native of Korea who moved to Chicago 40 years ago to earn a master’s degree in visual design from IIT’s Institute of Design. Over the last three decades Rhim has created art inspired by the city he loves — Chicago. The success of his work in the Windy City led Mayor Daley to declare “Aesop Rhim Day,” in honor of Rhim’s lifelong contribution.